October 30, 2020

To SUNY Poly Students, Faculty, and Staff:

I wanted to share with you that I plan to take a position as the Executive Vice President of The Ohio State University. While I look forward to this exciting opportunity, I am proud of the honor I have had serving as SUNY Polytechnic Institute’s Interim President, working with you to advance this incredible institution.

Together, we maintained strong enrollment at SUNY Poly, even during the historic COVID-19 pandemic, during which we have steadfastly prioritized the health and safety of our entire community. We successfully facilitated initiatives focused on innovation, including critical high-tech business partnerships, and have worked hard to provide the best academic and research offerings. I am so proud of the work we have accomplished during the last two-and-a-half years. 

I would also like to share with you the following statement from SUNY Chancellor Dr. Jim Malatras, whose leadership I am grateful for:

“Yesterday evening, Dr. Grace Wang informed me she is stepping down as Interim President of SUNY Polytechnic Institute and as Senior Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development. Interim President Wang has made a positive impact on SUNY, especially SUNY Poly. Along with former Interim President Dr. Bahgat Sammakia, Grace led SUNY Poly’s enrollment gains and significant progress making SUNY Poly the center of technology innovation, which has attracted business partnerships, and thereby job opportunities for more New Yorkers and further economic development. She has also helped coordinate SUNY’s response in COVID-19 testing, research, and personal protective equipment production in our fight to contain the coronavirus. We will be announcing a new acting president of SUNY Poly shortly. My thanks to Dr. Wang and best wishes to her as she moves on later this semester.”

I will continue in my role at SUNY Poly through November 30. I know we have worked hand-in-hand to enable a bright future for this institution, and I sincerely thank every member of our faculty, staff, and student body.

Sincerely,

Dr. Grace Wang
Interim President
SUNY Polytechnic Institute